Strings Attached by Riley Hart

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU 
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I spent college worrying about responsibilities and earning my teaching degree, so before graduation and moving to Atlanta with my best friend, Ross, I figure I deserve a little fun. I’ve never been with an older man, but the guy at the bar grabs my attention and doesn’t let go…for multiple rounds, all night long.

The next day, when Ross introduces me to his dad, the last thing I expect is for him to be my hookup from the night before, in town from Atlanta for his son’s graduation.

The best thing would be to pretend it never happened, which is easier said than done. The more I talk to Harrison, the more I like him. We enjoy teasing each other, spending time together, and despite how successful he is, we both know what it’s like to have nothing. Neither of us wants a relationship, so when Harrison suggests a no-strings-attached fling, it’s perfect.

But between bills, worrying about Mom, and wondering how I thought I had what it takes to be a good teacher, Harrison’s always there, even when it’s hard for me to accept help.

Falling for Harrison wasn’t part of the agreement.

I don’t know how to trust, there’s a seventeen-year age difference, and he’s my best friend’s dad.

No strings attached has never been so difficult, because I’m pretty sure I want to be tied to Harrison for good.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Strings Attached is an amazing best friend's father romance. Riley Hart packs a whole lot of emotion into this sweet age gap romance. 

Harrison and Zander make for a wonderful couple. What starts as a hook-up leads to love when they discover their connection. 

Their story is one with an age gap, opposites, and a rich versus poor trope. 

Their story isn't much about the forbidden aspect of their relationship. Instead, it's about these two men and the baggage they bring into their journey. 

I love these men! Harrison is simply amazing, full of so much love for his son and Zander. He's known hard work and obstacles, yet completely overcame everything. 

But winning over Zander isn't quite so easy. Zander is closed off, full of doubts and fears, as well as a need for independence. 

The title is simply fabulous, as the whole story revolves around their friends with benefits relationship turning into so much more without ever knowing it. 

String Attached is a riveting and compelling read. Everything about this Riley Hart book had me mesmerized. 

Sundae's Best (Briar County #2) by Riley Hart

 

Amazon Link   - Available in KU  

Goodreads Link

Grady Dalton is in a rut. He’s thirty-eight, without a boyfriend, and has yet to find the place that feels like home. The closest he ever got was his best friend, Nathan. But it’s been seven years since he passed, and life isn’t getting easier. That’s how he ends up in Briar County, hoping to grow roots in the place Nathan had loved.

Deacon Sharpe spends his days serving homemade ice cream at Sundae’s Best and his nights alone, pretending he’s getting by after his wife’s death better than he is. His world is rocked when a man shows up, claiming he’d been his brother-in-law’s best friend, and who seems to miss Nathan as much as Deacon misses Patty.

Their losses connect them, but soon, the weight of their loneliness eases with laughter, making ice cream, and Grady reminding Deacon what it feels like to be held again. Deacon tells himself it’s platonic. How can it be more when he’s forty and has never been with a man, never even been attracted to one. But then, he’d never felt those things about anyone other than Patty either. And when Grady touches him…kisses him…nothing else matters and the rest of the world melts away.

Together they can deal with family drama, small-town gossip, and Deacon’s newly discovered feelings. But as it often does, life has one more curveball to throw their way…

Sundae’s Best is a small-town, bi/demisexual awakening romance, with characters who like to be held, swoony moments, a dog named Moose, and lots of ice cream. Sundae’s Best can be read as a standalone.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Sundae's Best is an amazing romance. The second book in the Briar County series by Riley Hart, it's easily read as a standalone.

This story! Omg, I absolutely love it! 

Deacon and Grady are more than I could have ever asked for. Their story is a sexual awakening story that is unique and emotional throughout. The connection between the two is undeniable, and their journey is unforgettable.  

This is a story of forgiveness and understanding. It's a story of making amends and moving forward. 

This is a reminder that sometimes things happen that we don't expect. It's best not to question or judge. Rather, grab love when you can.

Sundae's Best is another amazing story by Riley Hart. I love everything about their tale. It's wonderfully sweet and heart-warming, with plenty of tearful moments. Just read it. 

Firefly Lane (Briar County #1) by Riley Hart

 

Amazon Link   - Available in KU 

Goodreads Link

At forty-three, Holden Barnett is getting along just fine. His job as a pilot keeps him from getting restless, and he’s got a man who doesn’t want promises for the future. One phone call from his estranged sister changes everything. She needs his help, so Holden drops everything and heads to Harmony, a small town in Briar County, which represents everything he’s tried to avoid in life.

Monroe Covington is forty-five and happy. He loves his life—running his store, helping at his family’s farm, and spending his days with his best friend, Lindsey, and their son, Wyatt. Sure, half the town likes to forget he’s gay, and he’d love for the queer population to be bigger, but Roe makes do. He misses dating, relationships, and a man to hold at night, but at least he gets new eye candy when Holden, the brother of the woman who’s renting his cabin, shows up.

The attraction is instant, the friendship not far behind, but between Holden’s initial relationship status, family complications, and the two of them wanting different things, they’re a disaster waiting to happen…only it doesn’t feel that way, not with how much time they spend talking, laughing, and eventually, tumbling into bed, a field, or the back of a truck together. The closer they get, the more Holden realizes that just being fine isn’t enough, and Roe begins to see that his life isn’t as complete as he thought. Now, if they could only sort out the rest of it…


Firefly Lane is a small town, strangers-to-friends-to-lovers summer romance with no cheating, mature characters who talk out their problems, like to work with their hands, and have amazing chemistry. Did I mention they watch movies in the company of goats?

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Firefly Lane is another amazing small town romance by Riley Hart. The first book in her Briar County series, this looks to be another fabulous series. 

From the start, this book and it's tone pulled me in.

Roe and Holden are in their forties, setting the scene for a nice mid life romance. It's great to see older, set in their ways men fall in love. 

Holden's in town to help his sister, immediately establishing his caring heart. Helping out with his nephew, I enjoy the way Holden bonds with him. And, cue the tears with the boy's abandonment issues. Oh this part just grabbed at my heartstrings. 

Roe is a single father who happens to be Holden's neighbor. It's great the way they get to know one another, with plenty of genuine, small moments building their friendship. Later, as they move from friends to lovers, I couldn't get enough of them.

I enjoy the dynamics between the two younger boys and their presence in the story. They both play key roles in shaping Holden and Roe into the men they are.

This story is very sweet, but also has it's share of heartache and emotional moments. 

I am loving this new series so far and can't wait to see what happens next. The small town charm is felt throughout and the characters are all wonderful. I absolutely love Roe's large family who add so much to the story. 

Firefly Lane is the quintessential small town romance. Everything about this Riley Hart book is compelling and riveting. I absolutely love every moment of it and can't recommend it enough. 

The End Zone (Atlanta Lightning #2) by Riley Hart

 

Amazon Link   - Available in KU  

Goodreads Link

Jeremy
Seeing my best friend West, happy with his fiancé opened my eyes to things I’ve been missing in my own marriage. My divorce, which was amicable, followed. Strangely, at West’s wedding, I find myself confiding in Darren, the straight, confirmed bachelor and star quarterback of the Atlanta Lightning. Darren is a full-steam-ahead kind of guy, and one talk leads to hanging out, swapping phone numbers, and pranking West and Anson while they’re on their honeymoon. When I head back to California, I expect our chats to end, but I couldn’t be more wrong.

Darren
I still can’t say how it happened, how a random decision to strike up a conversation with Jeremy turned into…whatever this is. All I know is, months later, my days aren’t complete until we tell each other good night. Whether it’s on our calls or when he flies to Atlanta, we talk about everything, lying awake together half the night. Jeremy’s got me feeling…different. If it was just my newly discovered bisexuality, that’d be one thing. I’m not one to stress about being into a man for the first time. It’s the other stuff, the way he makes my pulse race and my heart swell, that’s throwing me for a loop.

I didn’t think I was made for relationships, thought something inside me was broken, but I want it all with him. Except, it feels like as soon as we make it past one obstacle, there’s an even bigger one waiting for us. We just have to keep our heads in the game and our eyes on the prize, to make it to the end zone, before one last tackle takes us down for good. 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

The End Zone is a fabulous sports romance by Riley Hart. The second book in the Atlanta Lightning series, it's easily read as a standalone. 

I fell in love with this book from the start, as these characters and the ease between them had me falling for them immediately. 

I absolutely love the way things develop between them. From funny antics, to easy chats, to falling in love. They are perfectly sweet and tender. I love it all!

Everything is new to Darren, as he has to deal with a sexual awakening. It's wonderfully done, making all his emotions easily come to life.

It has my favorite theme, involving sports and the trouble with being an out athlete. I cannot get enough of this type of story, and with Riley as the author, you just know it's gonna be great. If you enjoy stories of athletes coming out, dive into this book.  

My favorite moment is Darren explaining that being with Jeremy makes everything in his heart and mind better, but being with him makes everything outside of just the two of them harder. 

This story is a fabulous illustration of being demiromantic. The author does a fantastic job with this, writing it with care. I don't read find many characters who are demiromantic, so I absolutely appreciate every aspect of this. 

It's also a reminder that even traveling can be tricky, as being gay is still illegal in some countries. Just heartbreaking that one has to even think about this when making plans. 

The End Zone is an amazing book with everything I love reading about an athlete falling in love. This Riley Hart tale is full of first times and so many emotions. God, I love it all. 

Messy Love (Stumbling into Love #3) by Riley Hart

 

Amazon Link   - Available in KU  

Goodreads Link

Danny

I’m not a guy who’s looking for a serious relationship. I love the chase, and the one time I thought I wanted more, the guy bailed. When my buddy Will mentions his recently out, older brother is looking for a place to stay, I offer the spare room in my apartment. It’s clear Jonathan’s past did a number on him, and he’s locked up tight. I make it my mission to show him how to have a little fun. What I don’t expect is to start to like him…or get jealous when he goes on a date…and hooking up with him is a terrible idea…right?


Jonathan

When Dad caught me kissing a boy as a teenager, he made it clear such behavior was unacceptable, and I’ve been messed up about it ever since. I’m over thirty, yet from Danny’s viewpoint, I’m a baby gay, which should be more annoying than it is. He’s got me playing on a queer baseball team, making friends, and wanting things I never thought I’d want, like pursuing my art—and him. I definitely want him.

Problem is, I can’t get rid of the unwanted voices in my head, my relationship with most of my family is a disaster, and every time Danny touches me, I come apart, finding myself wanting more. Danny doesn’t do relationships, he’s my brother’s friend, and I have a slew of hang-ups. All of this makes things…messy.


So then why can’t we keep our hands off each other? Why is he taking me on dates and looking at me like we could have more? To get there, we’ll need to put our pasts away for good, and have a lot of trust, not just in ourselves, but each other.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Messy Love is a wonderful romance by Riley Hart. Everything about this story is ultimately sweet and emotional. The third book in the Stumbling Into Love series, it's easily read as a standalone. 

Jonathon and Danny are beautiful together. Both are multi-layered men with messy pasts and a lot of baggage. 

I love how well they compliment one another, as well as the way Danny helps Jonathon to be who he wants to be, exploring the world of gay men. I adore the way their relationship develops and the undeniable connection between them. 

They are just perfect together, in and out of bed. Good god, the author knows how to write a sex scene!

This is a story with family expectations and many family issues. If you enjoy stories where the main character learns to be who they want to be, you will love this book. 

The writing is stellar, with complex characters who are vulnerable and deep. Their pasts are well developed, fully bringing the reader into the reasons for their pain and hesitations. 

Messy Love is everything I could ask for. Riley Hart impresses and entertains throughout this slow burn romance. It's a fabulous blend of serious and sexy, first times and swoony. I love it all.  

The Endgame by Riley Hart

 

Amazon Link   - Available in KU 

Goodreads Link

Weston
When I left home, I swore I'd never hide anything about myself again. From college, to law school, to the United States Senate representing California, I've done it all as an out gay man. So, when I'm in DC and see a beautiful guy at the hotel bar, I don't hesitate to proposition him...right before he runs out on me, leaving his sunglasses behind like my very own Cinderfella.

Anson
I've always known I'm gay, but never acted on it. Pretending isn't easy, but it means I can keep playing football. No one has ever guessed my secret until the gorgeous man at a bar in DC. At least he doesn't know who I am--the best tight end in the NFL, playing for the Atlanta Lightning. Though my identity doesn't stay a secret from him for long.

Between texts and late-night phone calls, we get to know each other. West's the only person who knows all the parts of me, just like I know his. When he asks for one night together so he can show me what it's like to be with a man, I can't say no. But once isn't enough, and we keep sneaking around together--brief encounters, in California, Georgia, or DC, filled with passionate touches and whispered truths.

I never thought I'd have love. West never thought he'd want it. Now we're all in with each other, but he still has time left in his Senate term. I have contract obligations to fulfill, and I'm closeted. We don't even live in the same state. The odds are stacked against us, but if there's one thing I know, it's how to win. He's the endgame in the biggest challenge of my life, the one I'm banking my future happiness on.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Holy crap! The Endgame is a fabulous sports romance by Riley Hart. It's no surprise that I love this book, as I love Riley's writing, but, wow, I am still impressed. 

Weston and Anson. I love them. An openly gay senator and a closeted football player. Every single moment of this story is amazing!

First, I adore the way they meet. The attraction is there, but the denial is all too strong for Anson. 

Second, I adore the nicknames in their phones. 

Third, I just love this book! The feelings that develop little by little is just awesome. I love seeing them go from a flirting, to a hook up, to friends with benefits and more. 

This book is all consuming and amazingly riveting. 

As for the scenes with Anson's brother, omg, I can't get enough of that relationship. Just amazing moments and attitudes. Just beautiful! The accident is heartbreaking, but I adore everything about Elias's attitude. The fact that this accident has thrown Anson even further into the closet is heartbreaking. Hell, everything about their relationship is heartbreaking, and yet stunningly beautiful. 

Th author wonderfully explores the world of being gay in sports. The fear. The trauma involved. The pain of being closeted. The pain of lying and keeping secrets. The pain of not being able to be open and proud of who you love. The absolute devastation of possibly being outed. Riley hits on all of it and it's fantastic. 

As for Anson's need to be perfect, wow, what a thought provoking aspect of his character. 

This story has all the feels. Their chemistry is off the charts. They're seriously sizzling together. And damn, when they finally have penetrative sex, just kill me with that scene! And omg, the scene where Weston kisses all of Anson's bruises. I can't get enough of it. Just freaking swoon!!!

Written in alternating first person pov, the characters fully come to life and their emotions often jump off the pages. Each character, even the side characters, are complex and easy to relate to. 

The Endgame is a must read for fans of sports romances. This Riley Hart read is wonderful and I can't recommend it enough. And the ending is just perfect!

Pretty Wild (Boys in Makeup #3) by Riley Hart & Christina Lee

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU 
Goodreads Link

Clark
I see myself as mature and responsible for a twenty-four-year-old—I have a steady job, a comfortable apartment, and eventually I’ll find the right guy to settle down with. Some might find this boring, but at least I know what I want. That is, until reconnecting with a childhood companion flips my preconceived notions upside down. Skylar was my first real friend—my first crush too—and twelve years later, he’s still the same gorgeous and charismatic free spirit. I’m easily sucked back into his orbit, my protests futile when it comes to his amusingly harebrained ideas. I can’t let myself fall for him, though, because I’m searching for forever and he only wants casual.

Skylar
If you’re looking for a good time, I’m your guy. I love hookups, shaking my booty at the club, and having fun. I’ve seen how love can hurt and have mended too many broken hearts to risk my own.

Still, having Clark back in my life makes me feel grounded…and sort of mushy inside. It’s not only because his chunky glasses turn him into an adorably hot Clark Kent. It’s also how he makes me feel like I can be more. Which is why hooking up with him is a bad idea. But resisting him becomes impossible, and before I know it, each touch, kiss, and night spent together only makes me crave more.

We want different things, so there’s no way this will last. But Clark makes me consider breaking my rules and trying this boyfriend stuff for real. What’s a guy to do when his best friend steals the heart he’s afraid to give? I guess it comes down to potentially hurting him, or losing the only guy I’ve ever really wanted. Pretty wild, right?

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Pretty Wild is a fabulous addition to Riley Hart and Christina Lee's Boys in Makeup series. This whole series is spectacular!

Skylar and Clark's romance is a wonderful combination of friends to lovers and opposites attract.

Their romance is a long time coming. They were friends as kids but suddenly the two parted ways. Reconnecting via a Facebook message, their friendship immediately feels right again. 

There's a lot going on for these men. Not only is their friendship rekindled, but soon they are temporary roommates. And oh how I love the feelings this results in. Not just the physical desires, but also the feelings of the situation in general. Clark is generous and caring. And Skylar struggles with overstaying his welcome. And yes, there's plenty of unresolved feelings and attraction between the two as well.

They're such opposites. One wants love. One doesn't. One is rich. One isn't. One has a solid loving relationship with their mother. One doesn't. 

Both are amazing characters. Skylar is pretty, untamed and totally outgoing. He's a dancer at a club who leaves everyone mesmerized. And then there's Clark. He's serious, fancy, and proper. And he has a respectable job. Their personalities and lives couldn't be much further apart, but they definitely belong together and balance each other out. 

Skylar wants nothing to do with a relationship. His mother's issues have totally built a wall around his heart. Hell, one can't be heartbroken if they don't let love into their hearts, right? Clark meanwhile is looking for love and believes in happily ever afters.

As a couple, the chemistry is sizzling. Once they give into their desires, watch out.

The relationships and issues with both mothers is a large part of this story. Clark's mother is a snobby bitch. She doesn't want Clark involved with someone like Skylar. And of course she has never approved of Skylar's mother, who was a poor, teenage mom and floats from man to man. 

The writing is great, with two loveable characters and a slew of secondary characters who add immensely to the story. I love the whole crew of friends. 

Pretty Wild is a beautiful friends to lovers romance. I couldn't read this one fast enough. It's no surprise that this author duo has once again left me elated with one of their books. They excel, as usual, at creating charming characters who will delight you with their story. Everything about it is perfect and it will have you smiling, crying, laughing, and swooning. 

No Good Mitchell by Riley Hart & Devon McCormack

 

Amazon Link  - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

BRODY

A night on the town after a long workweek at my family's distillery should include shots and dancing--not a hot kiss with a handsome stranger. I'm straight...at least, that's what I figured until I find myself locking lips with a sexy city boy. Now all my circuits are going haywire, and the spark that ignites between us makes me even more curious.

Unfortunately, I kissed the one man who's off-limits: Cohen Mitchell--the sole surviving heir to the Mitchell Creek distillery, a rival neighbor my family has feuded with for nearly a hundred years. Until he arrived in town, no one knew there were any Mitchells left. But the business-savvy city slicker has taken an interest in his legacy. Nothing means more to me than my family, so whether I like it or not, I have to keep my hands off the sexy, green-eyed beauty who Big Daddy has not-so-affectionately dubbed that "No Good Mitchell." Problem is: my hands have other plans...

COHEN

I never expected to inherit a distillery from a father I had never known. That's how I find myself in a tiny Georgia town where everyone knows a family history I've been kept in the dark about. The townsfolk all have a different story about my ancestors, with two things in common: illegal activity and Mitchell vs O'Ralley forever.

Maybe I shouldn't like Brody O'Ralley, but I didn't grow up with this stupid family feud. I enjoy touching him, kissing him and--oops--I'm falling for the man with sweet Southern charm and a big heart. Between the O'Ralley patriarch hating me, getting the Mitchell Creek distillery off the ground, and working through my own family issues, I know I should stay away from Brody.

But I won't, and staying away is not what he wants either. I crave all the time with my country boy as I can get, even if it's breaking the rules. After all, I am a No Good Mitchell.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

No Good Mitchell is a fantastic small town romance by Riley Hart and Devon McCormack. These two can do no wrong when working separately or together. 

It's hard to explain how damn wonderful this book is. This isn't just a romance. Not at all. Instead, it's a tale of family, heartache, wounds, and love. It's a story of things discovered as a result of love. Yes, love is the guiding factor, but it's all about the family dynamics through the years that make this tale so damn messy and addictive.

It's riveting from the start, as Cohen comes to town as the long lost Mitchell boy, aka the No Good Mitchell boy. He never knew his father, always assuming he wasn't loved. But upon returning to the land and business he inherited, his journey is full of discoveries and romance. 

The forbidden romance aspect is ever present. If his coming here wasn't complicated enough, Cohen's attraction to Brody just adds to the problems. He and Brody can't keep their hands off one another. But they also can't be together. Their families hate one another and have caused one another pain through the generations. Until Cohen and Brody meet. 

Their journey includes the family feud that's fueled by jealous, love, lies, and secrets. It's complicated with multi-layered issues and a whole lot of fear and problems. I find myself both impressed and fascinated by the layers upon layers of history that's unveiled. It's one hell of mess and Cohen has no idea how he fits into everything.

As for the romance, Cohen and Brody are great together, despite everything working against them. Both are just trying to do right, for both themselves and their family legacies. The make for a wonderful, heartfelt couple.

The small town aspect is evident throughout, with everyone knowing everyone else's business. I love that the men can't be seen together in town, unless they want everyone to gossip. That is small town at it's finest.

The secondary characters are plentiful, well developed, and constantly contributing to the storyline. There's lots of banter and gossip to be had. Big Daddy is one of their largest obstacles, but in the end, he is nothing that I expected. 

And then there's Isaac. His friendship with Cohen is a thing of beauty. He's always there for him, always supporting him, and ultimately finds some answers for himself. The ending is fabulous and had me cheering!

No Good Mitchell is an amazing tale. This Riley Hart and Devon McCormack collaboration is stellar with it's complexity and the emotional rollercoaster throughout. It's full of sweetness, guilt, and grief, all while keeping things low angst and charming. It's an amazing mix and I can't recommend it enough.